Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

This dish features tender sirloin steak cubes seared to perfection, paired with golden, crispy baby potatoes and a blend of vibrant southwestern spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Mixed with sautéed bell pepper, onions, corn, and garlic, it delivers layers of flavor and texture. Cooked all in one skillet, it’s garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a bright finish. Ideal for a quick, gluten-free main dish that's both hearty and satisfying.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 10:25:00 GMT
Steaming Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet recipe, featuring tender steak and colorful vegetables, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Steaming Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet recipe, featuring tender steak and colorful vegetables, ready to eat. | velvetthyme.com

A hearty, flavorful one-pan dish combining tender steak, crispy potatoes, and vibrant Southwestern spices for a satisfying meal.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how quickly it came together and the burst of flavors in every bite. It quickly became a staple for busy nights when we craved something hearty and satisfying without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

  • Sirloin steak: 1 lb (450 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Baby potatoes: 1 lb (450 g), quartered
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Red onion: 1 small, diced
  • Corn kernels: 1 cup (150 g), fresh or frozen
  • Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Chili powder: 2 tsp
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp, plus more to taste
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp, divided
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime: 1, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Sear the steak:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the steak cubes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Sear for 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
Cook the potatoes:
Add remaining tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes or until golden and just tender.
Sauté the vegetables:
Add the red bell pepper, red onion, corn, jalapeño (if using), and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Add spices:
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper over the vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.
Combine steak and veggies:
Return the steak and any juices to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the steak is cooked to desired doneness and everything is heated through.
Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
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| velvetthyme.com

This skillet dinner is always a hit at our family table – even picky eaters ask for seconds! It's a fun and filling meal that brings everyone together without a lot of hassle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this skillet with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. For extra richness, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Customize Your Skillet

Swap out sirloin for flank or strip steak, or even chicken for a different twist. Adjust the spice by adding more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to suit your taste.

Golden potatoes and juicy steak sizzle in a skillet, creating a delicious Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet. Save to Pinterest
Golden potatoes and juicy steak sizzle in a skillet, creating a delicious Southwest Steak & Potato Skillet. | velvetthyme.com

Enjoy this bold and hearty skillet for a delicious, fuss-free dinner tonight. It's perfect for any night when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort!

Recipe FAQs

What cut of steak works best?

Sirloin steak cut into cubes is ideal for quick searing and tenderness, but flank or strip steak can also be used.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, adding more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper increases heat according to your preference.

How do I ensure crispy potatoes?

Cook quartered baby potatoes over medium-high heat with some oil, stirring occasionally until golden and tender.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, it contains no gluten ingredients and is suitable for gluten-free diets.

What sides complement this dish?

Consider fresh salads, steamed vegetables, or warm tortillas to balance textures and flavors.

Southwest Steak Potato Skillet

Tender steak and crispy potatoes infused with southwestern spices in one pan for a hearty meal.

Prep time
15 min
Time for cooking
30 min
Total process time
45 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American (Southwest)

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details No dairy, Free from gluten

List of ingredients

Meats

01 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables

01 1 pound baby potatoes, quartered
02 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 1 small red onion, diced
04 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
05 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
06 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 teaspoons chili powder
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Others

01 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
02 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
03 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

How to make it

Step 01

Sear the steak: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season steak cubes with salt and pepper. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 02

Cook the potatoes: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add quartered potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and just tender.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: Add diced red bell pepper, red onion, corn, jalapeño (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables soften.

Step 04

Add spices: Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Stir to coat ingredients evenly.

Step 05

Combine steak and vegetables: Return the seared steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until steak reaches desired doneness and everything is heated through.

Step 06

Finish and serve: Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Essential tools

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains no major allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soy. Verify processed ingredients for potential cross-contamination.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 410
  • Fat content: 17 g
  • Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein amount: 32 g